Munish Sood
Mandi
Bedridden Mandi resident allegedly marked deceased in official records, leading to suspension of welfare assistance; Opposition demands accountability and immediate restoration of benefits.
Alive but Declared Dead: Jairam Thakur Targets Sukhu Government Over Halted Sahara Scheme Aid
Mandi, June 15: In a case that has sparked political controversy and raised serious questions about administrative functioning in Himachal Pradesh, a severely disabled and bedridden man was allegedly declared dead in official records, resulting in the suspension of financial assistance being provided to him under the Chief Minister Sahara Scheme.
The matter came to light when the family of Suresh Kumar, a resident of Chhadyand village in the Seraj Assembly constituency of Mandi district, approached former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur at his residence in Tandi, seeking intervention in what they described as a grave injustice.
According to the family, Suresh Kumar has been suffering from a debilitating medical condition for nearly nine years after falling from a tree and sustaining severe spinal and neurological injuries. Despite undergoing treatment at several hospitals, including Zonal Hospital Mandi, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College and Hospital Nerchowk, and PGIMER Chandigarh, his condition continued to deteriorate.
Family members said Kumar gradually lost mobility and is now completely bedridden. They claimed he can neither move nor speak and remains dependent on others for all daily needs. The prolonged treatment has left the family under severe financial strain and burdened with debt.
Under the Sahara Scheme launched during the previous BJP government, critically ill and bedridden patients were provided monthly financial assistance to help meet treatment and caregiving expenses. Kumar had reportedly been receiving benefits under the scheme for several years.
However, the family alleged that during the current Congress government’s tenure, Kumar was mistakenly recorded as deceased in official documents, leading to the discontinuation of his financial assistance. His wife, Saina Devi, submitted a written representation to Jairam Thakur detailing the family’s ordeal and financial distress.
Expressing shock over the alleged error, Thakur said it was difficult to comprehend how a living individual could be declared dead in government records and deprived of benefits meant for the most vulnerable sections of society. He termed the matter a serious administrative lapse and reportedly contacted concerned officials, urging them to rectify the error without delay and restore the benefits immediately.
The Leader of Opposition also extended financial assistance to the family and assured them of support for Kumar’s treatment and the education of his children.
Dr. Sadhana Thakur, national member of the Indian Red Cross Management Committee and wife of the former Chief Minister, also offered to provide an airbed for the patient to improve his comfort and care.
The incident has triggered a fresh political debate in the state, with the Opposition alleging insensitivity and administrative negligence on the part of the government. The family is now awaiting corrective action from the authorities and the restoration of the welfare assistance that they say is vital for Kumar’s care and survival.
